Fear of Reprisals Forces Sokoto Residents to Abandon Communities

Due to fears of retaliatory attacks by bandits, inhabitants of several communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been compelled to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns.

Daily Trust reported that following military operations in the area, at least nine communities—including Dankura, Dantasakko, Dankaka, Satiru, and Gangara—have mostly been abandoned.

Fearing retaliation from bandits, the residents have taken refuge in the towns of Gatawa and Turba.

A video that went viral on social media last Sunday depicted the arrival of hundreds of displaced individuals, including women and children, in Gatawa. Many recounted distressing experiences of violence and threats encountered in their villages.

Malam Muhammadu (not his real name), a resident of Dankura, shared with our reporter that his community has been living under continuous threat from bandits. These criminals frequently retaliate whenever the military carries out operations in nearby areas.

“We fled due to threats from the bandits who were planning to retaliate against military operations. Our whole community is now abandoned. I have relocated to Gatawa with my two wives and nine children,” he shared.

Muhammadu mentioned that residents frequently have to pay fees demanded by the bandits, which he said is their only means of being able to farm and live peacefully in the community.

Another resident of Dankura, who sustained a leg fracture in a recent attack, mentioned that he is planning to move to Taraba State with his three wives and 15 children.

We are in a state of constant fear. Just yesterday, the bandits were inquiring about the palliatives distributed by the state government.

“The peace in our area disappeared when the military withdrew years ago,” he said.

A resident of Dantasakko, who is also seeking refuge in Gatawa, shared how bandits frequently invade their village on motorcycles to rob people and loot food stores.

“They exploit us, ransack our homes, and even compel us to labor on their farms. My aunt was recently assaulted with a machete and is currently undergoing treatment here in Gatawa,” he stated, urging the government to set up a permanent military base in the region to restore peace and security.

Malama Sa’a (a pseudonym), another refugee, recounted a vicious assault on her fellow wife.

One night, bandits invaded our home. Despite our pleas, one of them attacked my co-wife with a machete, leaving her with severe cuts on her head and hands.